Innovative semi-conductor materials, GaN and SiC, offer significant design and performance-based benefits over silicon and are a real competitive advantage

Would you like to address the challenges of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by enhancing energy efficiency in vehicles, or by making equipment more compact and lightweight? Are you interested in renewable energy and the technology that turns a variable supply of electricity into the reliable flow of power that users require? A step-change in technology from silicon to GaN and SiC is looming, where the core of power management equipment is going to drastically shrink and become more efficient. International companies need experts in this emerging field of PE engineering

This PhD will work with the world’s fastest and most efficient power electronics, GaN and SiC transistors. It will also involve a novel active gatedriving technology and a unique GHz current sensing technology developed in the EEMG, a multi-disciplinary team of PhD students,  researchers and academics who developed some of the world’s fastest GaN circuits, gate drivers, and lowest-power electronic sensors. Together we develop new applications and techniques to help companies adopt these emerging PE technologies

Funding: This PhD is funded by an EPSRC ICase award, with additional support from Toshiba. The scholarship covers full PhD tuition fees, research consumables and attendance at conferences to present findings and is only available to UK/EU applicants (EU applicants who have been resident in the UK for 3 years prior to the 1st day of the PhD). Tax-free stipend at 2019 RCUK rate £15,009 pre-tax equivalent of £20,450 enhanced by £1,000 p/a industrial top-up, subject to contracts. Non-resident in UK may also apply but will only qualify for tuition fees

Ideal Candidate requirements in Electrical or Electronic Engineering or a related discipline, with knowledge of Power Electronics or Electronic Devices. Further information Electrical and Electronic Engineering

For questions about the research contact Prof Bernard Stark bernard.stark@bristol.ac.uk, questions about eligibility and applications contact sceem-pgr-admissions@bristol.ac.uk

Microelectronics and preventing floods? What is the link? This PhD opportunity will develop miniature sensors that last for decades without charging. 

Recent developments in microelectronics have allowed electronic circuits to be powered by miniature energy harvesters and even sensors themselves. This has the potential to lead to battery-free Internet of Things devices, for example to alert us to natural disasters such as floods. There are many useful applications for small systems that do not require battery replacement, in sprawling systems such as power grids or transport networks, or in remote structures such as wind turbines or storage systems.

This PhD offers great opportunities to trial your methods in real-life situations, with plenty of opportunity to collaborate with industry. This PhD will work with the world’s lowest-power electronic devices, some of which have been developed in the Bristol Electrical Energy Management (EEMG) research group (bristol.ac.uk/engineering/research/em/). The EEMG at the University of Bristol is a multi-disciplinary team of PhD students, post-doctoral researchers and academics who have developed some of the world’s lowest-power electronic devices.

The PhD can focus either on microelectronic design or on the use of already existing components to develop ultra-long-life sensors, depending on your background. A core research question will revolve around how to power certain functions of smart devices from sensor output signals alone. We are looking to hear from enthusiastic and exceptional students.

Funding: Subject to contracts and eligibility criteria the scholarship, if successfully awarded, covers full UK/EU (EU applicants who have been resident in the UK for 3 years prior to the 1st day of the PhD) PhD tuition fees and a tax-free stipend at the current (RCUK rate 2019 RCUK rate £15,009 which is the pre-tax equivalent of £20,450). Non-resident in UK may also apply but will only qualify for PhD tuition fees. 

Ideal Candidate requirements would be in Electrical or Electronic Engineering or a related discipline, with knowledge of Power Electronics or Electronic Devices. Further information can be found on the PhD Electrical and Electronic Engineering Admissions Statement.

For questions about the research topic please contact Prof Bernard Stark bernard.stark@bristol.ac.uk

For questions about eligibility and the application process please contact Postgraduate Research Admissions sceem-pgr-admissions@bristol.ac.uk

Emergence of wide-bandgap power semiconductor devices, especially Silicon Carbide (SiC) & Gallium Nitride (GaN) power devices has opened pioneering avenues for application of power electronics in power systems & electric vehicles. These devices increase the energy conversion efficiency which in turn reduce the power losses & unwanted heat & so contribute to greener energy.

Due to the large band-gap & high critical electric field, these new devices are able to operate under significantly higher electro-thermal stress. This can then be used in the next generation of modular multi-level (MMC) voltage-sourced converters (VSC) in high voltage direct current (HVDC) stations. As a result, the converter will be simplified which in turn enables simpler control, higher energy conversion efficiency & easier fault detection.

A core focus of this research will be to understand the opportunities & challenges in the application of devices in high voltage grid-level & electric vehicle applications. Developing converters will enable comparison between the devices from a performance & reliability perspective. This PhD offers great opportunities to trial new methods in real-life situations, with opportunity to collaborate closely with industrial partners EA Technology, General Electric & Dynex Semiconductor.

The PhD candidate will be supported by two supervisors with different expertise & will be expected to carry out theoretical analysis & experimentation.

Technical support from EA Technology, General Electric and Dynex Semiconductor. 

Funding for this research position is subject to competition for the 2021/22 University of Bristol Scholarship scheme only. More information can be found here: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/fees-funding/awards/pg-research-scholarship/

Ideal Candidate requirements would be in Electrical or Electronic Engineering or a related discipline, with knowledge of Power Electronics or Electronic Devices. Further information can be found on the PhD Electrical and Electronic Engineering Admissions Statement.

For questions about the research and funding support contact Dr Saeed Jahdi at saeed.jahdi@bristol.ac.uk

For questions about eligibility and the application process please contact Postgraduate Research Admissions sceem-pgr-admissions@bristol.ac.uk

This PhD will develop new modelling / predictive algorithms to quantify the life expectancy of high-speed rotating machines operating in a harsh environment. New “smart” technology will be developed to integrate these algorithms into the design of high-speed machines. The idea will be to investigate which parameters that can be readily monitored from the static part of the machine can be linked to parameters on the rotating part of the machine.  The successful candidate will develop the models from finite element analysis backed up by validation through experimental testing and where necessary new ways of making the measurements will need to be defined.   

These activities are part of a wider industry funded research programme focusing on the concept of the more electric aircraft and as such the work will be supporting the reduction of weight and volume of the machine whilst improving the in-service reliability.  Being able to reliably predict the point of failure sufficiently far in advance for action to be taken at the scheduled maintenance point, thus eliminating a costly unscheduled maintenance operation is the intent of this project.  

Contact: 

For questions about the research topic please contact Dr Dave Drury

For questions about eligibility and the application process please contact SCEEM Postgraduate Research Admissions sceem-pgr-admissions@bristol.ac.uk

What does it take to design a high performance, ultra-compact power electronic systems needed by the growing electric vehicle sector? Or maximise the efficiency of renewable micro-grid converters while minimising their cost?

How can we utilise the full potential of state-of-the-art wide bandgap (WBG) devices that are currently revolutionising the power electronics industry? In order to do this, engineers need a holistic design tool that optimises every element of a power electronics system. Smart automated software is needed to ensure that the systems needed work together to produce the optimal design.

This PhD will focus on developing the software tools needed to holistically optimise power electronic converters. It will involve modelling all the core electrical, thermal and mechanical components in a power converter; developing system models and optimisation routines; and designing, building and benchmarking power electronic hardware and software. The tools that will be developed will utilise the latest power electronic topologies and components to produce state-of-the-art power electronic converters.

For full details of this PhD opportunity, please see the full advert: PhD - Holistic Design Optimisation of Power Electronic Converters (PDF, 161kB)

Scholarship Details: Minimum £15,285 p.a. subject to eligibility status and confirmation of award.

Residency requirements:

You should meet the EPSRC Residence requirements for entry 2021/2022.

Home (UK) resident for 3 years prior to the 1^st day of the month that you start the programme.

EU nationals who are permanent residents in the UK with settled status and have been living in the UK for 3 years prior to the 1st day of the month that you start the programme. 

It may be possible to fund an international fee status as part of the EPSRC’s open eligibility allocation. You should be aware that there is typically strong competition within the university to make use of this flexibility.

Desirable: A background or basic understanding in one or more of the following:

• Power electronic devices and topologies
• SPICE-based circuit simulation or similar
• Circuit design and construction including component selection, PCB design and soldering skills
• Programming skills (MATLAB, C/C++)

Closing date: Noon, Friday 18^th March 2022

Contact: For questions about the research topic please contact Dr Ian Laird, Lecturer in Power Electronics Ian.laird@bristol.ac.uk

Are you a material science or chemistry graduate looking to apply your background to next generation electrical technologies in pursuit of Carbon Net Zero? We are seeking a motivated PhD candidate to join The Electrical Machine Works, University of Bristol, to develop high-performance electrical insulation coatings and coating processes for metal 3D printed windings. The successful candidate will work in a multi-institution, multi-disciplinary team across material science, process development, design for additive manufacture and experimental testing with opportunity for industrial collaboration and commercialisation.

For details of this PhD opportunity, please see the full advert: PhD Opportunity - High Performance Electrical Insulation Coatings for Next Generation Additively Manufactured Electrical Machines  ‌

Closing Date: January 15^th 2022

Earliest start date: September 20^th 2022

How to apply: If you meet the eligibility criteria as specified in the advert, please direct enquiries to Dr. Nick Simpson via nick.simpson@bristol.ac.uk in the fir‌st instance.

In this PhD, the student will develop the next generation of experimental techniques used to parameterise battery models. Models are used across the battery industry to replicate the expected operational performance of their physical counterparts, yet they are fundamentally limited by the accuracy of their input parameters. These input parameters are found through ‘parameterisation’ experiments. It is becoming increasingly apparent that parameterisation experiments are not fit for purpose, they are inaccurate and time/cost expensive. Waiting months to parameterise a battery model which you do not trust is a luxury that modern engineering companies cannot afford.

The motivation for the PhD is simple to summarise. Temperature affects every aspect of battery performance, yet the existing state-of-the-art parameterisation experiments confine temperature as a poorly controlled constant. You will lead the development of methods which use temperature as a well-controlled variable, and in doing so you will add an additional dimension to the parameters which define the performance of every battery model. The battery industry is expected to triple in size before 2030. Your contributions will be critical as transport and energy storage is electrified throughout the first half of the 21st century.

You will begin with an experimental evaluation of the established battery model parameterisation techniques, before developing your own methods which focus on the use of advanced thermal control and transient thermal conditions. Alongside experimental work, you will develop your own understanding of battery model design and operation. Work will involve interaction and collaboration with a close-knit community of UK-based battery researchers, and you will have opportunities to travel to other institutions and conferences in the UK and beyond, to further your learning and ultimately present your key findings.

For details of this PhD opportunity, including how to apply, please see the full advert: PhD - Development of Battery Model Parameterisation Techniques (PDF, 179kB)

Closing date: February 28^th 2022

Earliest start date: October 2022

Contact details: for informal enquiries, please email Dr Alastair Hales a.hales@bristol.ac.uk; for general enquiries, please email came-pgr-admissions@bristol.ac.uk

The EEMG are seeking enthusiastic and highly motivated students who have obtained the relevant grades. Applicants will be selected via application form and interviewed.

To apply, please submit a PhD application using the online application: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/. 

Prior to submitting your application please contact the academic listed to discuss your research proposal.

PhD Scholarships are open to UK students and EU applicants who have been resident in the UK for three years prior to the first date of the PhD commencing. Completed applications are assessed once submitted. Please see the Admissions statements for the programme for details of required documentation.

Applications from Year-3 students on a four-year programme are welcome with a view to progress on to our programme after completion of their course. Applicants should be on track to obtaining a 1st class degree in Engineering Science, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Physics, Materials, Engineering Mathematics, or similar.

Funding for eligible students includes a tax-free stipend of at least £15,609 p.a, a research and travel budget of £5,000, and University fees.

For more information postgradudate fees and funding visit: www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/fees-and-funding/.

Entry requirements

An upper second-class degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject. See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you need to meet this profile level: Profile E. Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

Admissions statement

Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.

http://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/2022/eng/phd-elec-electronic-eng/

For more information on prospectus visit: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/2019/eng/phd-elec-electronic-eng/

Academic enquiries by research area: energy-management@bristol.ac.uk or contact individual EEMG Academics directly https://www.bristol.ac.uk/engineering/research/em/people/academic-team/